Dynamic Sensor Array for LIDAR Beam Position Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately measuring the position and intensity of reference and returned laser beams due to interference from background radiation and stray light, which affects the system's accuracy and reliability, especially when using separate beam position sensors that increase complexity and calibration requirements.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system employing a two-dimensional sensor array with dynamically selected sensor elements, where a first set is activated based on a laser beam scanning control signal to measure the reference beam, and a second set is activated based on the estimated location of the returned beam, minimizing interference and noise by spacing the reference and returned beam areas apart on the sensor array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate beam position sensors are used to measure reference and returned beams, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement of reference beams and returned beams into a single 2-D sensor array. The beam splitting device directs both beam types to the same sensor array at different spatial locations, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The single 2-D sensor array performs multiple functions: detecting reference beams, detecting returned beams, and providing spatial positioning information for both. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized sensors
2Area of stationary object
If all sensor elements are activated continuously, then complete coverage is improved, but interference and noise from background radiation and stray light increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into different operational regions: a first area for reference beam detection and a second area for returned beam detection. The controller selectively activates only the sensor elements corresponding to the currently detected beam type, reducing noise while maintaining complete spatial coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between activating different sets of sensor elements based on whether a reference beam or returned beam is being detected. This dynamic activation pattern reduces background radiation interference and stray light noise while maintaining full area coverage when needed
3Device complexity
If reference beam and returned beam are detected at the same sensor location, then system simplicity is improved, but beam interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
While both beams are detected on the same 2-D sensor array plane, the system uses the spatial dimension of the array to separate their detection locations. The beam splitting device ensures reference beams and returned beams strike different areas of the sensor array, eliminating interference while maintaining system simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of LIDAR systems by reducing interference and noise, improving signal-to-noise ratio, and simplifying assembly and calibration, while maintaining the ability to determine the characteristics of the target object with improved range and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitting device configured to direct a first portion of the light beam onto a first area on the 2-D sensor array
Implementation Method 2
A LIDAR system uses a light beam (typically a laser beam) to illuminate at least a portion of the target and measures the time it takes for the emitted light beam from the source to arrive at the target and then return to a detector
Implementation Method 3
the range from the source to the point on the target can be determined based on the time-of-flight (ToF) of the light beam from the source to the detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are techniques for measuring a reference beam and a corresponding returned beam from a target in a measurement system using a single sensor array. The system is configured such that the location of the reference beam is space apart from the location of the returned beam on the sensor array. A first set of sensor elements on the sensor array corresponding to the reference beam is dynamically activated based on a laser beam scanning control signal. The detection signal from the first set of sensor elements is used to determine a location and/or a pattern of the reference beam, which are then used to estimate a location and/or a pattern of the corresponding returned beam on the same sensor array and dynamically select and activate a second set of sensor elements on the sensor array based on the estimated location and/or pattern of the corresponding returned beam.